Two days ago an all-Williams Australian Open women’s singles final looked more probable than possible. By the time Saturday’s decider arrives, the pair may well be together - watching the match on their big screen in Florida. Venus joined Serena in the exit queue with a 6-7, 4-6 quarter final loss to 4th seed Ana Ivanovic.
Like her younger sister yesterday, Venus was not simply switched-on. The first set was a humbling experience for both, with an unforgivable 39 unforced errors committed. Williams picked the worst time for her sins, gifting the Serbian the first set tiebreaker.
Williams had never lost a set to Ivanovic in four previous meetings, with the start of the second set suggesting the tide was turning. Venus traded errors for winners, establishing a 3-0 lead. However, the poor shots returned and Ivanovic settled into stride. The break was rescinded, with the Serbian crashing through Williams’ serve again in the ninth game.
Serving for the match, nerves affected Ivanovic, who fell to 15-40. The French Open finalist was suddenly struck with a wave of composure, drilling unreturnable serves to close out the Williams challenge.
Ivanovic will meet Daniela Hantuchova in the semis, the Slovakian’s first trip to the final four of a slam.
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